Cycle

[scapone]

finally got my tank started got some base rock from bulkreefsupply and 30lbs of live rock. I tested my water and found my ammonia is at 1.0ppm. Does this mean cycle started. Is that enough to get bacteria to grow? do i need to add a cocktail shrimp?:spin:

 

[marrone]

The cycle has started. Now is it enough ammonia to give you a nice amount of bacteria, to handle a good size load, well that all depends on size of the tank and the amount of live rock and how much ammonia you're going to get from it. The level should start to increase, as you get more die off from the live rock. In that case I would just leave it and let the ammonia build up and eventually the tank will cycle.

 

[scapone]

It's 30lbs live 90lbs base rock

 

[scapone]

It's a 150

 

[marrone]

Is the base rock live base rock or just dead rock? If it's dead rock then depending on the amount of die off you have on the life rock your bacteria level could be a little low, until the bacteria spreads to the base rock. That would be ok, as you want to stock slowly. Also depends on what type of rock, some are more dense than others, you may want to add more rock.

 

[scapone]

I have pics but I got the rock from bulkreefsupply.com think the cycle started from that. So if I add a small piece of shrimp would it help

 

[TonyHNY]

They are dead dried base rocks. looks like they've never touched the ocean/water before..I bought mine from BRS too when they offered the free shipping. Your 30lbs of live rocks will have some die offs. Give it 2-3 weeks and see what happens to your readings..

 

[KathyC]

The shrimp should not be necessary with that rock, you have plenty of die off to build your ammonia and cycle the tank.
You really don't want too much ammonia to build up anyway, you only need enough to get the cycle going. If you stock properly - and slowly - the bacteria will equal your load and you will have a 'balance' in the tank.

A tank with too much bacteria is not a good thing either as without food (read fish poop) it will die off. Dead bacteria is very bad for a tank
So, hold off on on the cocktail shrimp..unless it is for yourself! Plenty of sauce for me please!

 

[NanoAquatic]

i don't even remember the last time i did my cycle lol. good luck with your new setup

 

[batt600]

Do worry about that were going to do the 14 day cycle anyway so your good Just need the 3 addtives thats all